Marabá Hospital Reinforces the Importance of Helmet Use for Motorcyclists
Neurosurgeon Marcio Costa warns about the risks of brain injuries in accidents and advises on safe practices for traffic this holiday month
With school holidays and the increase in the flow of motorcycles on the streets and highways of Pará, the risks of accidents involving these vehicles tend to rise. To reduce the serious consequences of these occurrences, the neurosurgery service at the Regional Hospital of Southeast Pará – Dr. Geraldo Veloso (HRSP), in Marabá, reinforces an important alert: the correct use of helmets saves lives and can be decisive in preventing severe cranial trauma.
Neurosurgeon Marcio Costa, who works at the unit, highlights the severity of neurological injuries associated with accidents without helmets, "which can cause skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhages, and severe brain injuries, with the risk of permanent sequelae or death. Often, emergency surgery and long rehabilitation are necessary. The helmet is not just a mandatory item; it is a life-preserving instrument," emphasizes the doctor.
In addition to the serious physical consequences, traffic accidents involving motorcyclists also generate profound emotional and social impacts, both for the victims and their families. Neurological sequelae can keep professionals away from work, compromise autonomy and quality of life, and lead to long rehabilitation periods.
"These accidents shake entire families, who often need to reorganize their routines to care for someone who becomes dependent on help even for the simplest daily activities. It is a painful reality that causes emotional suffering, physical wear, and also financial impact. Therefore, every care in traffic makes a difference," reinforces the neurosurgeon.
In 2024, Brazil recorded an alarming number of hospitalizations due to motorcycle accidents, with over 148,000 motorcyclists hospitalized, according to data from the Ministry of Health. These accidents also generated a cost of R$ 233 million just for hospitalizations. The vast majority of victims are young males aged between 20 and 29 years.
Impacts of Motorcycle Falls
According to the neurosurgeon, the impact of a motorcycle fall at just 40 km/h can already be sufficient to cause severe injuries. "The brain is a sensitive structure. A collision with the ground or another vehicle can cause hemorrhages, swelling, and irreversible damage. Even if the victim survives, the sequelae can compromise motor, cognitive, and even speech functions," he explains.
A reference in neurosurgical treatments for traffic accident victims in the Carajás integration region, the hospital treats motorcyclists with traumas caused by the absence or incorrect use of helmets. Still, as the specialist observes, many continue to neglect this item, whether due to misinformation, recklessness, or cultural factors.
"Unfortunately, we still see people underestimating the risks. The helmet is a crucial barrier between life and death. It is necessary to break this culture of carelessness and reinforce collective awareness about traffic safety," concludes Marcio Costa.
In addition to preserving lives, adopting safe practices in traffic also contributes to reducing the demand for emergency care and prolonged treatments, allowing health services to maintain their focus on providing care to those who truly need it.
"Prevention is always the best path. When we avoid accidents, we protect not only our health but also help strengthen care for others, collaborating to ensure that resources and health teams are available to attend to inevitable and urgent cases," points out Marcio Costa.
Safety Guidelines
Neurosurgeon Marcio Costa also emphasizes that most accidents involving motorcyclists are associated with risky behaviors that could be avoided, such as inattention, alcohol consumption, and speeding. According to the specialist, these factors remain among the main causes of serious occurrences and reinforce the need for prudence and responsibility in traffic.
"It is essential that drivers are always attentive, avoid driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, and respect speed limits," advises the neurosurgeon. "These simple actions make all the difference in ensuring safer traffic and protecting one's own life and that of others. Furthermore, the correct use of helmets remains an indispensable measure to reduce the risks of severe trauma in case of an accident," he emphasizes.
Check out tips for safer traffic for motorcyclists:
* Always use helmets certified by Inmetro;
* Periodically check the condition of the helmet, such as cracks or defects;
* Use a helmet of the appropriate size, properly adjusted, and with the chin strap always fastened;
* Avoid risky maneuvers and always respect speed limits;
* Never drive after consuming alcoholic beverages or medications that cause drowsiness.
Profile of the health unit: Services at the Regional Hospital of Southeast Pará are 100% through the Unified Health System (SUS). The unit has 135 beds: 97 for clinical hospitalization and 38 in Intensive Care Units (ICU) - Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal.
